IDF: Grad Intercepted Near Ashkelon

As Minister of Defense and IDF Commander gave press conference, gunfire was heard. One person said severely injured.

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Gil Ronen, 18/08/11 19:27

IDF, police after the attack.

Flash 90

The Iron Dome anti-missile system is believed to have intercepted a Grad missile that terrorists fired at Ashkelon Thursday evening, IDF Spokesman "Poli" Mordechai said.

He also said that terrorists may have fired an anti-tank missile at an IDF helicopter as well.

There are reports that the IDF is placing an Iron Dome battery near Be'er Sheva as well, apparently expecting further escalation in hostilities.

Another gunfire incident took place on the Israel-Egypt border Thursday evening. One person, apparently an IDF soldier, was reported seriously wounded.

The incident occurred as the Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff were briefing reporters in the South, near Highway 12. Gunfire was heard during the press conference.

Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz told reporters in the evening: "There are more incidents on the ground. There is no point in providing inaccurate details, I request that you wait patiently."

Southern Command Head Maj. Gen. Tal Rousso revealed that a suicide terrorist also took part in the attacks Thursday morning. The terrorists was part of a team of three terrorists, and he detonated himself against a bus.

Additional explosive devices were found along the border, Rousso said.